The new WNBA collective bargaining agreement has arrived and, as soon as ratified, will see participant salaries skyrocket throughout the board. That consists of Caitlin Clark, whose reputation was positively a consider the income progress that made the deal doable.
For perspective on how massive a rise we’re speaking about, take into account that the new WNBA minimal wage of $270,000 is bigger than final 12 months’s $249,000 supermax for gamers. The league has additionally instituted a measure that may see a few of its lowest-paid gamers see their incomes develop considerably in the event that they see early success, like Clark.
Advertisement
The Indiana Fever star made $76,535 as a rookie in 2024 and $78,066 in 2025, figures dwarfed by her appreciable endorsement earnings. Per Spotrac, she would have been due $85,973 for her third season in 2026 and nonetheless a 12 months away from restricted free company.
Now, she’s set to make $530,000 in 2026. That’s by way of ESPN’s Alexa Phillippou, who reported the quantity for example of the new CBA provision known as “EPIC” (Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract) that may fast-track high-performing gamers to max and supermax offers.
Draft your Yahoo Fantasy Baseball team for the 2026 MLB Season
Advertisement
Because she has already made an All-WNBA crew, Clark might see her wage develop to a projected max of $1.3 million in 2027. After that, she might signal for a $1.7 million supermax in 2028.
Salary impacted by rev-share
How much Clark makes past that is depending on the WNBA. The league’s new wage cap shall be primarily based on league income, which the gamers pushed for in CBA negotiations. Under present projections, the high wage could possibly be elevated to $2.4 million by 2032.
Caitlin Clark is about to make rather a lot more money. But nonetheless in all probability not as much as she’s price. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Kevin C. Cox by way of Getty Images)
There are additionally plenty of bonuses Clark shall be eligible for down the line. Making All-WNBA first crew once more would internet her $30,000 in 2026 and an MVP would get her $60,000. Those bonuses may even begin scaling with league income progress in 2027.
Advertisement
All of that is a substantial elevate for Clark. It’s additionally possible far lower than she would get if she have been to hit the open market with no wage cap, however that’s the sacrifice high gamers make when a max wage is instituted.
Like she did earlier than this CBA, Clark will make up for it with endorsement money. Sportico estimated her earnings in that realm to be $16 million in 2025. Despite her negligible wage, that also made her the sixth-highest paid feminine athlete total.
